Windows 2003 server 64Bit vs Non-64bit

[Runes911]

Ok I am going to move to Windows 2003 server standard to host some game/web servers. My question is about the versions. They server will be hosting a Web server(IIS), a game server (HLDS2), and a teamspeak server. The server will be a Dell poweredge SC1425 which has 2x2.8Ghz Intel Xeon processors. What would the advantages/disadvantages be in chooseing Windows 2003 x64 edition over the regular edition?

 

[Nothinman]

Unless the Xeons are new EM64T chips with the AMD64 instructions or Itaniums, you won't be able to get the 64-bit version to run.

 

[Runes911]

They are.

 

[Nothinman]

Well then, what 64-bit apps do you have?

 

[Runes911]

I listed the apps I would be using... teamspeak, HLDS2, and IIS. I am pretty sure teamspeak doesn't have a 64 bit version, not so sure about HLDS2 I think it might because in linux it has a 64bit binary leading me to assume the same for Windows. If they are normal 32 bits apps would the 64bit OS not be a good choice?

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Runes911
I listed the apps I would be using... teamspeak, HLDS2, and IIS. I am pretty sure teamspeak doesn't have a 64 bit version, not so sure about HLDS2 I think it might because in linux it has a 64bit binary leading me to assume the same for Windows. If they are normal 32 bits apps would the 64bit OS not be a good choice?

Supposedly 32bit apps run better on a 64bit OS. According to a Microsoft rep they send two operations at the same time which usually results in, obviously, better performance.

If you have 64bit drivers for all your hardware, then go 64bit. You can pick up the 64bit version for cheap right now off EBay from the people who got the AMD Tech Tour server bundle.

 

[Runes911]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Runes911
I listed the apps I would be using... teamspeak, HLDS2, and IIS. I am pretty sure teamspeak doesn't have a 64 bit version, not so sure about HLDS2 I think it might because in linux it has a 64bit binary leading me to assume the same for Windows. If they are normal 32 bits apps would the 64bit OS not be a good choice?

Supposedly 32bit apps run better on a 64bit OS. According to a Microsoft rep they send two operations at the same time which usually results in, obviously, better performance.

If you have 64bit drivers for all your hardware, then go 64bit. You can pick up the 64bit version for cheap right now off EBay from the people who got the AMD Tech Tour server bundle.

Link!? That would be niiice

 

[Nothinman]

Sure even running 32-bit apps on the 64-bit sytsem should be faster, but the difference will be minor if it's there at all. And unless you have a huge Internet pipe you'll probably be I/O bound before you're CPU bound.

 

[Runes911]

And unless you have a huge Internet pipe you'll probably be I/O bound before you're CPU bound.

More like memory bound but yes I agree, even though its a 100Mbit link.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Runes911

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Runes911
I listed the apps I would be using... teamspeak, HLDS2, and IIS. I am pretty sure teamspeak doesn't have a 64 bit version, not so sure about HLDS2 I think it might because in linux it has a 64bit binary leading me to assume the same for Windows. If they are normal 32 bits apps would the 64bit OS not be a good choice?

Supposedly 32bit apps run better on a 64bit OS. According to a Microsoft rep they send two operations at the same time which usually results in, obviously, better performance.

If you have 64bit drivers for all your hardware, then go 64bit. You can pick up the 64bit version for cheap right now off EBay from the people who got the AMD Tech Tour server bundle.

Link!? That would be niiice

Just search for "server 2003 enterprise x64". They're going for around $200. I suspect they're so cheap because they aren't in retail chains yet so most potential buyers don't know what they are and are leary. That and the population of 64bit servers is still pretty low.